◆ Kingdom of Kashiram, Outskirts of the Village ◆
As His Majesty drew two axes from his back, he threw them into the air like boomerangs. Then, he grabbed another two axes from the side of his passive skill and tossed them overhead. The axes danced wildly in the air, showcasing His Majesty’s skill, Killing Axe. He caught the returning axes and sent them flying again. This relentless cycle of axes dominating the battlefield, including vertical strikes, was the hallmark of the Battle King’s combat style.
If he truly desired, dozens of axes could swarm the area, and with their weight and destructive power combined, only a handful could withstand such an onslaught. Even the world’s greatest masters would struggle to replicate this technique, which was still just a basic skill among His Majesty’s repertoire. In other words, only by overcoming this could one hope to face Him properly.
“Just as expected from His Majesty! He’s skillfully dodging the terrain manipulation!”
“Zukko’s really starting to panic now!”
At first, Zukko had maintained a calm demeanor, but as the distance between him and His Majesty closed, signs of anxiety began to surface. Nevertheless, Zukko was no slouch himself. He timed his terrain manipulation just before His Majesty’s foot landed, already beginning to read His Majesty’s equestrian skills. It was a race against time—whether he could complete his maneuver before His Majesty reached that point. However, I had already noticed it: the presence of an ambush blending seamlessly into the night.
“…Dragon Lance!”
“Gyahh!”
“Bufoh!”
One of my long-range skills, Dragon Lance, struck true, piercing the skull of a thief hidden in the shadows. They fell before realizing they had been discovered. The ability to remain concealed in darkness was likely due to a Custom Magic akin to Shadow Entry, as Rua had mentioned, but that was irrelevant. My Dragon Lance pursued only enemies, ensuring a precise hit to their vital points. The graceful arc it traced toward the enemy was quite beautiful, and I took a certain pride in it, though I doubted many in the world could perceive such a trajectory. That was the only slight disappointment.
“What?! The enemy was already upon us?”
“Stay right there! I’ll take them all down with my Dragon Lance!”
As I dispatched the thieves falling from the shadows with the ease of a monotonous task, I awaited my true target. The ones I was currently defeating were likely not just members of the Comet Wolf Brigade. They must also include members of the absorbed band of thieves. According to the information provided by those girls, including Zukko, there were members of the main Comet Wolf Brigade. I had no idea how many there were, but they would surely grow impatient and come for my throat. Until then, I would scatter the minions and wait.
“Gyahhhhhh!”
“Quite the skill, but you were too naive.”
In the midst of this, His Majesty’s axe had sunk into Zukko’s right shoulder. That deathly scream was not solely from pain; it was also laced with the fear of being overwhelmed by His Majesty. Given the amount of blood lost, there was no chance of survival. He would die in the utmost agony. That was a fitting end for a scoundrel. If he wanted to avoid such a fate, he should never have turned to thievery in the first place. Living honestly, like the majority, would at least reduce the chances of having one’s life taken by another. In a sense, that fate was a choice he made himself.
“Are you in pain?”
“It hurts! Help me, please!”
“I admire those who fight. Those who struggle to survive against harsh circumstances. With that fighting spirit, I would gladly support anyone. However… there is one thing I cannot forgive. That is thievery. I have vowed to eradicate all thieves, no matter who they are, since that day.”
“N-no way…”
“Your Majesty, the troops have advanced. Now, we just need to conquer this forest fortress.”
Having scattered most of the minions, only this one, the Masked Giant, and the members of the main brigade lurking somewhere remained. I didn’t know how many of the main brigade were left, including the Zukko who was on the verge of death, but my task remained unchanged. I pointed the Grand Run at the forehead of the barely alive thief rolling on the ground. I thought it would be more convenient to keep a few alive to gather information.
“Hey, where are your other comrades?”
“I-I don’t know…”
“Do you want to die right now?”
At that moment, shadows appeared atop the wooden fortress, and the fortress itself began to move again. Branches spread out and attacked the cavalry. While they could handle that, the cavalry, not trained for such encounters, found it challenging, and the soldiers’ formation began to crumble once more.
“Your Majesty?! Didn’t you kill Zukko?!”
“…Tch.”
“Ahihihihihihihih!”
Zukko’s shoulder wound had completely healed. In fact, His Majesty’s axe had failed to sever his body. As the axe passed through, Zukko’s body, destined to split in two, began to repair itself beautifully from the point of the cut. I thought it was a rather mundane expression to say “repair,” but there was no other way to describe it.
“You look puzzled. That’s thanks to the main Comet Wolf Brigade’s ‘Bishop’ Tenmei.”
“Well, you foolish cavalry. You really are putting in a lot of effort every time.”
The white-haired, handsome man clad in white robes who introduced himself as Bishop Tenmei, along with the Masked Giant, looked down at us from the wooden fortress, embodying the notion that the battle was already in their favor.
“Zukko, just don’t embarrass the main brigade, alright? I can’t have you making me look bad as a fellow brigade member! Gahhahahaha!”
“You think you’re any better than me, Buffku? Let’s settle this right here!”
“With your Custom Magic, which only serves to scatter the weak, you can’t win against me! Just do your best to be useful! Gahahahaha!”
It was already clear that the four standing there, including the boisterous Buffku, were the main forces. This was becoming a bit troublesome, as I had assessed their combat strength. I could handle the Masked Giant alone, but especially that handsome man with the title of Bishop—he was dangerous. I needed to deal with him first and foremost. Because Zukko’s healing was almost certainly his doing.
With Zukko saved by his Custom Magic, our troops were severely limited. In other words, I had to take down Tenmei here.
“Are you the one I should deal with?”
“…What did you say?”
From behind the mask, a voice that evoked disgust reached me dully. That filthy giant was completely covered by a mask except for his eyes. I had no way of knowing his past, nor did I want to. Ignoring his question, I leaped high and unleashed an unrestrained skill upon Tenmei.
“Great Dragon Rain!”
Countless spears descended from the sky, surpassing even cannon fire. The speed of the thrusts, transformed into a vacuum wave, was impossible for the human eye to track, and even a single hit could obliterate flesh and cells. I aimed to wipe out the wooden fortress in one fell swoop; if the Bishop’s Custom Magic granted him super recovery, I would destroy it before he could even react.
The Great Dragon Rain pierced through the wooden fortress, annihilating branches and roots, which then rained down. The bodies of the Bishop and his comrades began to disintegrate as they were stripped away, yet their flesh regenerated to keep pace with the destruction. It was a scene that would normally inspire despair, but I had discovered a single weakness.
“How tragic; even an exceptional skill cannot compare to a Custom Magic that represents a new era… Is this also fate?”
“A recovery magic Custom Magic, huh? It certainly makes you nearly immortal.”
“Not nearly—it’s immortal.”
To voice a weakness here would be the act of a fool. I must not let him realize that I had caught on. To avoid giving away my intent, I focused my aim on a specific point.
“I’ll crush you into a pulp and grind those soldiers to dust… Just imagine the look on that kid’s face when I show them… what will it be like? Gishishishi!”
It wouldn’t be surprising if the foul-smelling drool dripped from behind the mask; that man was exuding ugliness from every pore. Given his nonsensical behavior, it was clear that his mind was long broken. If that were the case, it was hard to believe he was the leader. There must be someone else. If he wasn’t dispatched from the main brigade, then perhaps…
◆ Inside the Living Labyrinth ◆
“It hurts! It hurts! Please be gentler when you untie me! Ah, ahh!”
“Geez, you’re so noisy. You’re only making it worse by squirming…”
After struggling for several minutes to free the small girl tangled in the branches, I realized this was not the time for such things, but I couldn’t just abandon her. It was a two-person effort between Kurinka and me, but we were making little progress. I considered cutting her free, but after being told that I would obliterate her entire body, I decided against it. Why should I be subjected to such disrespect from someone I had just met?
“Alright, you’re free now.”
“Whoa! I can feel the power surging through me!”
“Why don’t you just go home? Why are you still following me?”
“Alright! Next, I’m going to blast this labyrinth away!”
“You’re not listening, are you…”
I hate to interrupt her enthusiasm, but what is this girl? She’s floating in the air, and given her size, it’s clear she’s not human.
“But she’s right; we need to get out of here first.”
“That’s easy… here I go!”
With a single swing, I cut through the ceiling above us, shattering multiple layers. Just as I thought we were escaping towards the blue sky above, I heard a sudden shout.
“Ahhh! The branches are back!”
From the severed part, new branches sprouted at an incredible speed, intertwining to recreate the original ceiling. In fact, it felt even more complicated than before. It was as if it were alive. There’s no way we could escape with just a simple attack.
“Lua-chan, your personality really shows in how you don’t even think about walking out.”
“You thought about transforming into a dragon and burning it all down, didn’t you, Kurinka?”
“I would never do that! Honestly, Lua-chan!”
“N-No, this labyrinth seems different from a normal dungeon… it feels like there’s no exit…”
Having experienced the Abyss Cave, I wasn’t easily surprised anymore. I remembered walking through a maze where the rock walls collapsed behind me, blocking my way back, or wandering endlessly in a space where I couldn’t feel anything—no sight, sound, or smell. I could go on forever about it. To me, calling this a Free Life Labyrinth is a joke; it’s not even a proper labyrinth.
“Feh feh feh! Exactly! And you should stop thinking about destruction so easily! Look at that!”
As if echoing from nowhere, Okina’s voice rang out, and the branches of the wall parted just enough to reveal what lay within. It was the Kashiram cavalry, entangled in the branches. The branches dug into their necks and chests, looking painfully close to tearing them apart. They couldn’t even cry out, their breaths ragged as they looked at us, pleading for help.
“The Living Labyrinth, the Free Life Labyrinth, grows and devours everything! The cavalry is as easy to capture as a baby! And I know your personalities well! You can’t just abandon them, can you? So, what will you do?! Feh feh feh!”
I felt like retching; it was something Seigel would say. But it was the right sentiment for this moment. Instead of fighting honorably, they were resorting to this. They thought they were hidden, taunting us, but I could clearly see the twisted forms of those trapped between the branches. Their limbs bent at impossible angles, yet they still moved with a grotesque agility. I had to pretend not to notice and end this quickly.
“Ahhh! It’s a squishy old man! Eek!”
“Wait, you’re going to get us caught!”
Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to help. No, more importantly, I was going to erase this labyrinth right now.
“Kurinka and… Shin, right? Don’t stray from me. It’s dangerous.”
After confirming that Kurinka was energetically clinging to my back and Shin was grumbling while staying close, I focused on the task at hand. I just needed to avoid the entangled people and slash away at the labyrinth. Ready, set, go!
“Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!”
“You fool, it’s pointless to—”
His pale face turned too quickly. It showed how well he grasped the situation, which was impressive. With one swing, then another, I cut through the labyrinth. No, I was carving it away. If it could regenerate, I just had to erase it faster than it could grow back. With one swing before new branches could sprout, my vision opened up wide. The other members, who had been lurking and waiting for an opportunity to attack, were thrown off balance by the sudden change and began tumbling down from the branches.
“What the—?!”
“Okina, you said the Living Labyrinth was a growing maze!”
“I-I don’t know! Everyone, keep your distance and retaliate at all costs!”
“It’s impossible when the ground is being cut away…!”
Chaos bred more chaos, and most of the members lost their footing and fell. What does he mean he doesn’t know? Isn’t this old man’s Custom Magic?
“Chinu chinu chinu!”
“That’s what happens when you follow me!”
“Lua-chan, let’s go down too!”
The Living Labyrinth, the Free Life Labyrinth, had been reduced to a pitiful state, so much so that regeneration seemed impossible. Finally, the branches stopped sprouting, leaving only countless wooden branches scattered on the ground. It was a bit rough, but we managed to rescue those who were trapped, so it should be fine. Outside, there were the stunned cavalry and a few members of the Comet Wolf Brigade. A person clad in a white robe, with white hair making him look entirely white. A filthy man with a pineapple-like head, a large, stout man, and the Masked Giant. So, that’s the Masked Giant. His massive body was covered by a mask that concealed his entire face.
“Gishishi… I’ve missed you, I’ve missed you so much…”
He welcomed me with a twisted grin, his mouth hidden by the mask, but I could feel the madness in his bloodshot eyes, as if I were the only one reflected in them. It felt like I had met him before, even though this was our first encounter.
“Why?! Why won’t it regenerate?!”
“The trees have probably given up on regeneration. That girl’s power surpasses even the forces of nature… or perhaps my magic is simply insufficient. Indeed, it makes sense that even someone like Glaive would struggle against it.”
Even after the Living Labyrinth, the Free Life Labyrinth, was destroyed, that person remained calm and analytical. The stout man, who was being pushed back by Weiss, seemed to be the next strongest.
“Get out of the way! Wind Barrage!”
“Such a foolish trick.”
“Gu-buh…”
He unleashed a compressed typhoon from one hand, but it didn’t even reach Weiss. The moment Grand Run pierced his head, the giant’s body came to a halt. His eyes rolled back, and as Weiss pulled out his spear, the massive form collapsed.
“There’s only one spot that can’t be repaired. That’s the head; even during my Great Dragon Rain, I instinctively guarded that area.”
“Wow, to be read like a book is shocking. S-rank is just too much.”
More than the S-rank, what just happened was absurd.
“V-Veiss! Did you kill him?!”
“Can’t you tell by looking?”
“There was no need to kill him! Why?!”
“Weren’t you listening to the plan? There was no order for capture.”
“The plan… it can’t be that simple…”
I couldn’t believe Weiss, who had taken a life without changing his expression. Just because it was the plan. The flames burning behind the One-Winged Demon flashed back in my mind. He killed someone so easily. Was Weiss doing this because it was the King’s order, or… No, it didn’t make sense.
“It seems the wooden fortress has crumbled before we could even conquer it. So, have you come to terms with your fate?”
“This is indeed troublesome. The odds are far too unfavorable against such strength. Could this be… destiny?”
“I won’t allow you to surrender. It’s too late for regrets; I will personally behead you.”
“…Okina, let’s leave this to that man.”
“Huh…? Oh, I see. Feh feh feh.”
The focus of their gazes fell upon the Masked Giant. His abnormal breathing exuded a sense of ferocity. He approached me with large strides, as if he had been waiting for this moment. Could it be that he wanted to fight me? If so, why?
“Are you going to start a one-on-one duel between Lua and that giant? Who gave you permission?”
“Of course, I will take care of holding you all back. King of Kashiram and Weiss.”
“Hyah hyah hyah! Zukko’s methods are simple. Just a little… just a little shift is all it takes. No weapons or magic needed to kill. Just a little shift…”
“I, Okina, am also entrusted with the role of an executive; I have no intention of falling behind. Feh feh feh…”
Before I knew it, the scene was set for a confrontation between me and the Masked Giant, and Weiss and the King against those three. The other soldiers were completely out of the picture. But this wasn’t a battle they could participate in, and it was better for them to stay quiet. Instead, I hoped they would take care of the soldiers who had been trapped in the branches.
I had thought about ending this quickly, but that Masked Giant piqued my curiosity. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had encountered him somewhere before.
“Lua-chan, could it be that person…?”
“J-Just don’t involve Shin! Whoosh!”
While I was intrigued by Kurinka’s words, I realized that if I could just peel off that mask, I might find the answers I was looking for. With Shin having flown off in a hurry, I focused my gaze steadily on the giant before me.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Ah, what a mess this has turned into.
At this moment, I can only be grateful to that Rua girl.
I thought she was just a rough and violent brat, but it seems she has her good points too.
But, no, no, no! It all started because of those guys.
I won’t express any gratitude.
I am a proud demon, after all.
That creepy old man and the Waterway Brigade are truly a gathering of perverts.
In terms of grossness, they rival even the Demon Army.
Yet, it feels like they have some sort of advantage over Rua.
They must be plotting something.
If that’s the case…
I have no expectations.